Esther F. Janikowski

Esther Janikowski RACINE-Esther F. Janikowski, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 12, 2013 at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center. Esther was born in Milwaukee on March 12, 1938 and came to live with her loving foster mother, Hazel Roedema in Racine in the late 1960's. While living in Racine, Esther was employed at J.I. Case Company and Diamond Transportation. She enjoyed life to the fullest, loved to play cards, socializing, crafts and Wii bowling with her numerous friends at St. Monica's. She found great enjoyment with her loved ones at family gatherings. Celebrating holidays, especially Christmas Eve, with her family and friends was very important to Esther. She was very involved with Special Olympics where she competed in numerous events. Esther spent many happy and memorable years at St. Monica's where close and lasting friendships were made. Esther will be deeply missed by her "adoptive family" Chuck and Faye Rattle and their children and families. She is also survived by foster sisters, Jacky Schwengel and Betty Lou Heller along with other family and many dear friends. Esther was preceded in death by her foster mother, Hazel Roedema and her close friend Joan. Funeral services for Esther will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Friday February 15, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Elias Nasari officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time. She will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park following services. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Esther in a special way may direct memorials to, Racine Special Olympics, 800 Center St. Room 127, Racine, WI 53403. Esther's adoptive family would like to extend a very special thank you to St. Monica's and Lincoln Village Convalescent Center for the loving care she received. Sturino Funeral Home 3014 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI 53404 (262) 632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome.com